OpenAI has introduced an innovative feature to its Codex application, an agentic tool designed to assist with coding: AI-generated animated pets. These optional companions do not perform coding tasks themselves but function as a floating overlay. They provide developers with real-time updates on Codex's ongoing operations, notify when tasks are completed, or indicate if user input is required. This new functionality enables developers to monitor Codex's active thread directly without needing to switch away from their current application, thereby streamlining workflow and enhancing interaction.
Developers can summon or dismiss these virtual companions within the Codex app by typing "/pet". Initially, eight built-in pets are available. Furthermore, users can leverage AI to generate their own custom companions using the "/hatch" command, exemplified by a cute goblin character. Early adopters have reportedly uploaded a variety of custom creations, including versions reminiscent of Microsoft's iconic Clippy assistant.
The AI-generated pets feature is now available for both Windows and macOS versions of the Codex app. For a limited period, OpenAI is also offering a 30-day ChatGPT Pro subscription for ten of the most popular community-generated companions.